Follow Bear Canyon Trail back to the creek and upstream, traverse the wash a few more times and watch from below as the two-tiered Switzer Falls thunder down. It all took us longer going in than we normally expect, partly because of stopping to see the remains of Switzer’s and the falls and all the rock hopping. The Gabrielino Trail continues up and to the right. Beautiful views, some steep areas, narrow trail at top of the canyon could be a challenges for those afraid of heights. Will have to come back with lunch next time. The trail hugs the mountain before it eventually reaches a split from which you will head downhill into the canyon. This portion of the trail takes you above Switzer Falls and its gorge, before descending back into the canyon later. Switzer Falls Trail Description – skirting then descending into Bear Canyon. Dogs are welcome on the hike to Hermit Falls. Showing results 1 - 90 of 1773. Waterfall wasn’t that impressive but nice none the less. if you have a dog and you aren’t sure if they can handle it, they can! Please purchase a Forest Adventure Pass $5 before parking. Note that to get to the base of Upper Switzer Falls, which you saw from the trail, you have to climb above Lower Switzer Falls to the right of the falls. This is "Switzer Falls Trail. Great hike! Get there early. Here you have a fantastic view of the Arroyo Seco gorge and the surrounding mountains, so make sure to take some photos in this scenic spot. Lee, Elysian Park, Arroyo Pescadero Park, laguna lake park trail… Show more photos. You can still see the ruins of it on the hike today. Switzer Falls Trail ☀️. Crowds could be challenging on the narrow areas, which would also be quite hot in the peak heat of the day. Note that the main Arroyo Seco Trail will take you eventually all the way down the entire length of the Arroyo Seco to its base at Pasadena. Lowe Truck Trail (2N50.1) at the water tank and ends at Gabrielino NRT below Switzer Falls. when parking on street be very careful, cars fly down the road. The trail goes through the heart of activity in the Great Hiking Era of LA (the early 1900s). – Summary: Hike into a historic canyon to see a wonderful 50′ tall waterfall in a beautiful wooded gorge with great views and numerous pools and cascades. and it’ll just add to the fun seeing them maneuver throughout the trail. I definitely did!!!! – Elevation Gain: 750′ Parking is only available at the top (near the main road) so you will have to walk down to the trail head and back up to the parking. The Switzer Falls hike is 4 miles round trip. Great hike with 85% shade, nice water falls at the end of the hike. But that’s another hike when it’s fully reopened- our hike goes down and to the left. Albeit worth it because in the end, we got the workout we wanted. Note that as you can see in the photo below – and especially the fun water slide video at the end of this post – the pools are really quite spectacular after a wet winter has cleared them of debris, and they are up to 10′ deep below the falls, and thus offer fun and refreshing swimming holes on warm days. See more of Zealyn on Facebook. This upside down hike descends 650 feet from Switzer Picnic Area to the … But definitely I’d like to come back when we’ve received more rainfall throughout the season. The waterfall was not flowing hard but pleasant and relaxing. The first mile out of the falls may be some of the prettiest in the range. It’s summertime and there hasn’t been any rain so the water isn’t exactly gushing. As you get down into the canyon, the shade comes back, and you will reconnect with the stream and head up alongside it. Rocks were a little slippery after the rain, but the streams were flowing nicely and everything was lush. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Summary for Switzer Falls Hike. 1.1.21 - wasn’t too crowded early morning. – Length: 5 to 6 Miles Round Trip It was beautiful but a little cold at the bottom. – Time: 3 to 4 Hours. The way back is all up hill but not nearly as difficult as expected. Make sure to leash your fur buddy when you start summiting towards the peak. Super nice trail. After passing through this area you will enter a magical portion of the Arroyo Seco, tree-lined with numerous small cascades and some great pools. People aren’t joking that when the driveway is closed it’s quite a steep walk up at the end of your hike - but I think it’s worth it! Parking is limited. – Time: 3 to 4 Hours While the trail itself would technically be open, CalTrans has a separate closure of the 2 that extends from the Clear Creek Info Station to the Vincent Gap parking lot. June and September are the best months to enjoy t Box 1499 , Sacramento, CA, 95812-1499, Phone: 800-862-2543. Then you have a section that has steep mountain pass to the waterfall. The canyon features many old growth trees and thus offers a pleasant riparian environment with abundant shade. loading map - please wait...Map could not be loaded - please enable Javascript!→ more information. You will see a footbridge over the stream leading to the trail head. – Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Switzer led a burro train with resort visitors twice a week up the Arroyo Seco on a long trail to the camp. Great views. Users have reported that when the trailhead parking is closed, there is an additional 1 mile and 300 feet in elevation added to the hike. The hike meanders back and across the stream running down the spectacular Arroyo Seco Canyon. The hike travels high above the 50 foot high Switzer falls, then drops back to the stream, where hikers can double back to stand at the base of the falls. You will soon pass through an open area with great views of the surrounding massive cliffs. Note that this is a popular trail and includes a picnic area near at the trail head, so it can get crowded, especially on nice weekends. If you do make it past Lower Switzer Falls, after only about another .15 mile up the stream bed you will arrive at the base of 50′ tall Upper Switzer Falls. Great trail, going down is nice but the way back has a good incline, work those legs. The trail comes to a junction. – Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Stick to the right and you’ll get rewarded with a view of the falls. If you decide to go up-stream to the falls you will first encounter Lower Switzer Falls in about .15 mile. Here you can go to the left up-stream which will take you to the falls, or continue downstream on the signed Bear Canyon Trail. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The resort struggled for a number of years, but was eventually closed, and the buildings were removed in 1959. Whether you're gazing up at the towering trees or you're soaking up the lush landscape that surrounds you, this is … More than just an easy trail, this destination is one that will completely captivate your senses. In about 2 miles the trail to Switzer Falls takes you along a babbling brook, through historic ruins, on the side of a spectacular gorge, and then finally, to a pristine waterfall. Lower lot is closed so the trek back to the upper lot for sure tops it off, especially for those looking to get a workout! Saw plenty of dogs on trail and at the falls and they were doing great. Nice and the weather was perfect at 9:30am- plenty of shade only pockets of direct sun. If this lower lot is full, you will have seen that there are two overflow lots, one on the way down, and one at the entrance off the highway, so go back up there find a spot, and walk back down to the trail head. Lots of people on this hike , so arrive early. Everyone was wearing madk. The stream is lined with oaks and alder, with the water cascading over granite into mirror-like pools. The Bear Canyon Trail is 5 miles long. Please read this, Hermit Falls Hiking Trail Guide - My Open Country. Hiking: Access to the trail camp is a 4.5 mile hike down the Arroyo from Switzer's Picnic Area. According to noted mountain historian John W. Robinson, Commodore Perry Switzer developed a trail resort called Switzer’s Camp in 1884, which was many years before the construction of the Angeles Crest Highway. Trail Report (winter only) Switzer Park also has an interpretive canoe route. – Elevation Gain: 750′. Widely recognized as the most well-known waterfall hike in the greater Los Angeles area, this 14-foot cascade is accessed from the Switzer Falls Picnic and Day Use Area just off of the Angeles Crest Highway. Totally enjoyable. After the unbridged creek crossing by the stoves, we then ascended a couple of short switchbacks as the trail became much narrower with some dropoff exposure. Didn’t take children or a dog with me but saw many enjoying the trail. Although I’ve listed the Switzer Falls hike as moderate because there’s a bit of climbing, overall it’s a very doable hike that offers many rewards for a small effort. Switzer’s Camp became the most famous wilderness resort in the San Gabriel Mountains, attracting visitors from near and far. Going west downstream, the trail follows an old road through a shaded canyon for 1 mile then briefly ascends and contours on singletrack around Switzer Falls. Directions to Trailhead for Switzer Falls Hike, Map of Switzer Falls Hike with Downloadable GPX File, Detailed Description for Switzer Falls Hike, Copyright @ 2018 thehikersway.com. Log In Close-up of what I believe to be Upper Switzer Falls. After about a mile and a half on the trail, you’ll see a junction, continue taking the trail toward Switzer Falls. I arrived at 630 am and the lot was full, had to park along street. Share. Read reviews about going earlier and that's definitely the move! – Summary: Hike into a historic canyon to see a wonderful 50′ tall waterfall in a beautiful wooded gorge with great views and numerous pools and cascades. California Travel and Tourism Commision, P.O. From there, it is less than a quarter mile or so before you reach lower Switzer Falls. Beautiful stretch, perfect hike, refreshing views along the creek. Switzer Truck Trail Mount Wilson trails Switzer Falls Via Gabrielino trail Altadena trail Clear Creek trail Bear Canyon trail Oakwilde trail Gould Mesa trail Dr. Rouzbeh`s day hikes plan. Beautiful view. All rights reserved. After you have enjoyed this wonderful area, simply retrace your steps back to the trail head and to your waiting vehicle. This is a relatively easy hike into one of the loveliest sections of the San Gabriel mountains. From where we had to park (top of the mountain) to the start of the trail was almost 2 miles itself. This is one of the most popular hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains, in part because of the easy access, ample parking, and great trail, but also because it is a truly lovely area with a great deal of natural diversity, and a storied history as well. The trail begins as you cross the wooden bridge behind the Switzer Falls Picnic/Parking area. Thanks to the work of CORBA and MWBA with support from REI, the trail is open all the way to Switzers as of August 2018. As of this writing (May 2015) the trail to the right is closed for trail maintenance. Good workout. Loved all the crossings and picnic tables. The stream is lined with oaks and alder, with the water cascading over granite into mirror-like pools. There is pretty gnarly drop at one point. Not too many people and we had light snowfall which made it all the more fun. It’s all going up . Switzer Falls via Gabrielino Trail is a 3.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Pasadena, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Switzer’s Picnic Area is both a popular day-use area for those wanting picnic facilities in a sylvan setting and those desiring a trailhead with multiple entry points into some beautiful areas of the San Gabriel front range. Wild sage, blackberry brambles, and honey mushrooms spotted along the path! But it’s a beautiful hike, u can hear the creek flowing next to u as u walk. Pingback: Hermit Falls Hiking Trail Guide - My Open Country. Trail … This 50-foot waterfall is reached via a 4.5 mile out-and-back trek on Gabrielino Trail that follows a shaded babbling creek down into a wooded canyon. The creek out is pretty and lined with oak, sycamore and evergreens. Really lovely trail. And by the way, it was all incline coming back up. Simply continue down the trail about .5 mile until you reach the stream crossing where the trail begins to ascend the slope on the opposite side. Soon you will arrive at an obvious junction – the Bear Canyon Trail heads down back into the Arroyo Seco canyon to your left, and the main Arroyo Seco Trail continues up the ridge to your right. Head back downstream to the left, you ’ ll see Switzer ’ s camp the. North and drive 10 miles to Switzer via the popular Switzer Falls hike weather was at! 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